Osteopathic Manual Medicine

In brief, Osteopathic Manual Medicine is any treatment technique which attempts to improve one's function by directly manipulating the structures of the musculo-skeletal (MSK) system: muscles, bones, fascia, tendons, and ligaments.

 

In 1983 at a conference held in Fischigen, Switzerland, respected practitioners representing many disciplines wrote a consensus statement as to the goal of manipulative and/or manual medicine. They concluded that "the goal of manipulation is to restore maximal pain-free movement of the MSK system and to achieve postural balance.

 

OMM covers a wide range of techniques, overlapping with multiple disciplines, such as chiropractic, massage therapy, and physical therapy. For example, craniosacral therapy was originally developed and used by Osteopaths. Osteopaths also use myofascial release, a technique common among massage therapists because of its effectiveness and wide applications. Muscle Energy, which promotes muscle relaxation by activating the golgi tendon reflex, is common to both osteopathy and physical therapy.

 

Imbalances in the complex MSK system can create a host of physical problems and complaints, which literally can extend from head to toe. Most of us are familiar with and have experienced the results of these imbalances, commonly occurring in the form of headaches, back pain, neck pain, and chronic pain or stiffness of the muscles or joints. Many of these problems can arise from old injuries which were never diagnosed or properly treated. Not as well recognized, but well documented in the osteopathic literature, is the fact that structural imbalances can also created widespread disturbances in other organ systems.

 

After a thorough history and comprehensive structural evaluation, osteopathic techniques such as myofascial release, muscles energy, craniosacral, and select muscle stretching and strengthening will be utilized. Self-treatment, stretching and strengthening and postural exercises will also be prescribed.